COLIC AND INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. 269 



The oil will not only act as a demulcent, but will also produce the 

 desired laxation. 



One or two drachms of powdered opium with the same amount of 

 extract of belladonna may be given at intervals as indicated by the pain ; 

 or Fleming's tincture of aconite in from ten to twenty drop doses, has an 

 excellent effect in some cases. 



The persistence and violence of the pain is the best guide as to its 

 repetition, which of course must not be too frequent. 



In enteritis, as in other serious diseases, mischief often results from 

 giving too much medicine; but five grains of calomel may be given in 

 the linseed jelly, and repeated at intervals of six to seven hours two or 

 three times. This will promote the flow of bile, and so clear the small 

 intestines. 



Enemata of thin linseed jelly, about a quart at a time, are advisable 

 to assist in " unloading " the impacted colon. These should be tepid, 

 not cold, in order to avoid rectal spasms. 



It is unwise to check moderate diarrhoea, when it exists, as it is 

 nature's effort at self-relief. 



When peritonitis, which is apparent by pain and tenderness on pres- 

 sure being applied to the abdomen, exists, opium must not be given, but 

 camphor should be substituted, 



As in colic, it is advisable to assist the action of the medicine and the 

 removal of the feecee by the frequent injection of small quantities of 

 warm water. Externally, fomentations with hot water, in which some 

 poppy heads have been stewed, will greatly relieve pain ; but great pre- 

 caution must be taken to gently but thoroughly dry the skin at the 

 conclusion of the fomentation, so as to avoid chill, and a dry rug should 

 be put round the belly afterwards. 



The body must be carefully clothed, and the rugs should be secured 

 by tying them beneath the belly and across the breast, so as to avoid 

 that pressure which would be given by the roller on the parts affected. 



Exercise, though it was recommended in colic as a means of relieving 

 the spasmodic pains, is not advisable in inflammation of the intestines. 



545. Terminations. 



Some cases, properly treated, will terminate quickly and favourably, 

 but the result is always doubtful. If an unfavourable result ensues, it 

 will generally be found that mortification, arising from stoppage of the 

 passage through the intestines, caused by entanglement of the guts, 

 rupture, calculus, or some incurable lesion, has been the immediate cause 

 of death. The duration of an acute attack of inflammation of the intes- 

 tines is short. If a favourable change does not take place in from twelve 

 to twenty-four hours we may expect death. 



In the post-mortem examination of horses which die of this disease, the 

 peritoneal coat is often apparently inflamed ; but this is in a great degree 

 illusory, as the effect is produced by the reddened muscular coat shining 

 through the serous outer coat. The parts affected may exhibit any 

 decree of redness from pink to scarlet, to purple, green or black, and 



